Which of the following oxides of nitrogen is unstable in air?

AllieMD

7 years ago

Yeah, That's True. NO Is Unstable As It Is Readily Combine With O2 To Give NO2.
2NO + O2 ==> 2NO2

Apexstarlight

4 months ago

The correct answer is:
b. NO
Why:
Nitric oxide (NO) is unstable in air because it reacts quickly with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂):
So once NO is exposed to air, it doesn’t stay as NO for long.
Quick check on the others:
NO₂ – relatively stable in air
N₂O₄ – exists in equilibrium with NO₂
N₂O₅ – more stable as a solid (though it reacts with moisture)
✅ Final answer: b. NO